Short Summary

On the occasion of the Ninth Anniversary of the Army of Upper Volta, President Sangoule Lamizana attended a celebration march past in Ougadougou on Sunday (November 1) and later presented medals to several officers including Colonel Babassi.

Description

On the occasion of the Ninth Anniversary of the Army of Upper Volta, President Sangoule Lamizana attended a celebration march past in Ougadougou on Sunday (November 1) and later presented medals to several officers including Colonel Babassi.

The President was accompanied by Minister of Defence Colonel Arzouma Ouedraogo. Before the official speeches and parade President Lamizana and Colonel Ouedraogo met several senior Army officers.

Colonel Ouedraogo spoke to the Army's contribution to the nation on three fronts: military, economic and public affairs. This would refer to the fact that Upper Volta's 3,500-man force of soldiers, gendarmes and police, take part in agricultural work and rural; training programmes, and supply men and equipment for major public works and health campaigns.

President Lamizana, also speaking of the Army's role in Upper Voltan affairs, said that they did not need to be complemented - as they were doing no more than their duty.

The President then presented a high decoration to Colonel Babassi, and this was followed by the decorating of several other officers by Colonel Ouedraogo.

Finally, the President - and the city - watched the ??? past by the band and units of the Upper Voltan Army.